Can I reuse the licence of Windows XP from laptop to desktop

I purchased a HP Laptop with preinstalled Windows XP. The laptop has not worked for a few years now.

I have recently purchased a desktop and can I use the same license key to get Windows XP installed on my desktop.

Note I have misplaced my original windows install CD but have the Laptop and the Windows XP product code is available to me.

Edit:
The HP Laptop came with a OEM license with sticker on the back.

Solution 1:

If the laptop that you purchased came installed with an OEM license key, then no, you cannot use that license on another computer.

OEM license keys are tied to the computer that they are installed on, and cannot be reused legally (unless you are reinstalling on the same computer). OEM keys are on a label sticker on the chassis of the system they are tied to.

However, if the license you have is a retail copy of Windows, you may use that license on your desktop. Retail license keys can be moved, but the previous Windows installation must be removed before installing the new one.

Retail license keys are bought in a box with a Windows installation disc separate from a computer. If your computer came installed with Windows from a store, then this is not what you have. It is an OEM key.

Be aware that none of the advice on Superuser should be taken as 100% accurate legal advice. Always read the EULA for your particular version of Windows for the country in which you reside for detailed information on what you are permitted to do with the license.

Solution 2:

No. Your HP laptop came with an OEM license for XP. OEM licenses are sold with a specific pc, and cannot be transfered to another computer. the Key will only work with HP install media (or a generic OEM sku), on a PC who's BIOS identifies it as an HP (I'm guessing your desktop is not an HP).

if you have a Retail license for XP, you can transfer it up to 3 times.

As for the disk, you can try to find one online, but never get a disk image from an untrustworthy source.

Solution 3:

If the license you have on your laptop is an OEM license of Windows XP then you would not be able to legally move it from the computer that it came preinstalled on to another machine. However, if the license is a Retail version, you would be able to transfer it to another machine as long as it was completely removed from the original computer.